schaalband

Schaalband is a term used in Dutch for a component of measurement instruments and displays that marks measurement values along a scale. A schaalband may be a fixed stripe printed on an instrument’s dial, a transparent overlay, or a movable window that reveals a portion of an underlying scale, or a colored band indicating a specific measurement range. The primary purpose is to improve readability and to emphasize certain ranges, tolerances, or units.

In practice, schaalband appears in various devices, including analog gauges, dial indicators, rulers, and spectrometers. On a dial gauge, the scale is typically divided into graduations; a schaalband can be a highlighted region that corresponds to the nominal or acceptable range, sometimes shading from green to red to indicate safe to dangerous values. In measuring tapes or rulers with multiple scales, schaalbands can denote those scales or provide quick reference for target measurements.

Materials and design: schaalbands are commonly produced as printed or etched stripes on metal or plastic, often with colors or luminescent material to improve visibility. They may be stationary parts of the instrument or movable elements that slide or rotate to align with the reading.

Related terms: scale, graduations, vernier scale, dial indicator, measurement instrument.

Note: The exact meaning and use of schaalband can vary between manufacturers and disciplines, and some contexts may use alternative terms for similar features.